Under limited supervision from the department
manager directs the day to day activities associated with customer
samples, whether the samples are “off the shelf” standard items or
prototype samples manufactured in the pilot plant. The incumbent will
supervise two shipping clerks in the sample room; maintain a small
inventory of all standard items produced by the vegetable unit of Gilroy
Foods & Flavors (GFF), and maintain a small inventory of all necessary
shipping supplies. The incumbent will also manage GFF’s customized sample
order system (SPIN), assigning sample orders to the appropriate department
members as the orders post on a day-to-day basis. The incumbent will also
work very closely with the department product developers, coordinating the
manufacture of any custom prototype products for customers, assisting with
product development, formulation and manufacture of prototypes as needed.
Develop close functional relationships within
the department, GFF’s corporate Sales and Marketing departments and plant
operations teams.
Maintain prompt sample order fulfillment service for all customer
sample requests. Maintain a small, up-to-date inventory of all standard items
produced by the vegetable unit of Gilroy Foods & Flavors; dehydrated
onion and garlic, dehydrated chile products, dehydrated vegetables,
GardenFrost frozen purees, Controlled Moisture frozen vegetables, and
Redi-Made shelf-stable garlic purees.
Establish a working relationship with each Operation Services
Manager from each of the manufacturing facilities (Modesto, Gilroy, Las
Cruces) to seek advice and assistance in maintaining the sample inventory.
Work with the department technical document specialists to
maintain a library of the proper paperwork for sample shipments; product
specifications, certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, etc.
Work with the department technical document specialists to
maintain correct labeling for all product samples.
Directly supervise two clerks; contribute advice to the department
manager for annual reviews, direct day-to-day work loads and
responsibilities and establish disciplinary measures as needed.
Assists the department manager in maintaining evenly distributed
workloads for 3 to 4 product developers via a dotted line reporting
relationship with the aforementioned developers.
Via a dotted line reporting relationship, provide guidance and
suggestions early in the product development process to the product
developers that will improve delivery of functional product designs.
Contribute guidance and suggestions early in the product
development process to the product developers that will improve delivery
of functional product designs.
Prepare developmental and product specs as applicable. Other duties as assigned by the department manager.
• MS degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry
or related field with 4 to 5 years experience or BA/BS degree with 6 to 7
years related experience or related level of experience. • Display a fundamental understanding of food science and how food
is affected through processing including food safety, sanitary design,
microbiology, etc. • Troubleshooting skill with demonstrated ability to “think on
their feet”. • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. • Ability to work cross functionally through all internal
departments/divisions within CFI and other ConAgra Groups to garner their
support and enthusiasm. • Understanding of food systems and ingredient interactions. • Knowledge of product development process. • Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. • Proficient in MS Office programs
Knowledgeable in various foods processing equipment.
